The first rays of dawn broke through the fog as Liam wandered through the quiet streets of Tingen. The city was coming to life, with shopkeepers unlocking their doors and street vendors setting up stalls. The faint aroma of fresh bread wafted through the air, reminding him of the growing emptiness in his stomach.
I need a plan, Liam thought, his hand brushing against the pocket watch hidden in his jacket. The encounter with the cultists had proven two things: this world was dangerous, and he couldn't rely on luck alone to survive.
His first priority was to establish a foothold in Tingen. That meant finding a place to stay, acquiring some money, and learning more about the city's culture and power structure. He couldn't risk drawing attention to himself too soon—not until he had a better grasp of his pathway and how it fit into this world's intricate hierarchy.
---
The Mysterious Café
Liam's wandering eventually brought him to a small café tucked away on a side street. Its sign read "Mulligan's Corner," and the warm glow from its windows beckoned him inside.
The interior was cozy, with wooden tables and chairs arranged neatly around a crackling fireplace. The smell of coffee and pastries was intoxicating, and Liam's stomach growled audibly.
"Good morning, sir," a cheerful voice greeted him.
Liam turned to see a middle-aged man in an apron, his graying hair neatly combed. The man's smile was genuine, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Morning," Liam replied. "Do you have any recommendations?"
The man chuckled. "First time here, I see. Our cinnamon rolls are a favorite, and the coffee's brewed fresh every morning."
Liam nodded, fishing a few coins from his pocket. The Codex had subtly ensured he wasn't completely destitute upon arrival, providing him with a small sum of local currency. "I'll take a roll and a coffee, then."
As he waited for his order, Liam took a seat by the window. The café offered a perfect vantage point to observe the city's morning routine. He watched as carriages rattled past and pedestrians hurried along the cobblestone streets, their faces a mix of determination and weariness.
---
A Friendly Conversation
"Here you go," the café owner said, placing a plate and a steaming cup of coffee in front of Liam. "Name's Thomas Mulligan, by the way. Always nice to see a new face."
"Liam Hart," he replied, offering a polite nod.
"So, what brings you to Tingen, Mr. Hart?" Thomas asked, leaning against the counter.
Liam hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I'm… a traveler, looking for opportunities. Tingen seemed like a good place to start."
Thomas nodded knowingly. "It's a city full of chances, that's for sure. But you'll want to watch your step. Things have been a bit… tense lately."
"Tense?" Liam echoed, feigning curiosity.
"Disappearances," Thomas said in a hushed tone. "People vanishing without a trace. The papers say it's the work of criminals, but I've heard rumors of something darker."
Liam's mind raced. The cultists from last night had to be connected to these disappearances. But he kept his expression neutral, simply nodding as Thomas continued.
"If you're looking for work, I'd recommend checking out the employment board at the city hall. Plenty of odd jobs to keep you busy while you find your footing."
"Thanks for the tip," Liam said, finishing his coffee. "And the roll was excellent."
"Glad you liked it," Thomas replied with a grin. "Feel free to stop by anytime."
---
Finding a Place to Stay
With his immediate hunger sated, Liam made his way to the employment board Thomas had mentioned. It was located in a small square near the center of the city, surrounded by a mix of government buildings and businesses.
The board was covered in notices, ranging from mundane tasks like cleaning stables to more lucrative but dangerous jobs involving pest control in the sewers. Liam scanned the options, looking for something that would provide quick money without raising too many questions.
His eyes landed on a notice offering a small reward for assisting with inventory at a local bookstore. It seemed safe enough, and it would give him a chance to learn more about the city's culture and history.
He tore the notice from the board and followed the address listed. The bookstore, "Eckhart's Tomes," was a modest establishment tucked between two larger buildings. Its sign was weathered, and the windows were filled with stacks of dusty books.
Inside, the smell of aged paper and leather greeted him. An older man with round glasses looked up from behind the counter, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"You're here about the notice?" the man asked.
"Yes," Liam replied. "I'm new to the city and looking for work."
The man studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I'm Alric Eckhart, the owner. The job is simple—organizing the backroom and cataloging some recent arrivals. It'll take a few hours, and I'll pay you five soli for your time."
"Sounds fair," Liam said, rolling up his sleeves.
---
The Bookstore's Secrets
As Liam worked in the backroom, carefully sorting and cataloging stacks of books, he couldn't help but notice the variety of titles. Many were mundane, covering topics like history, mathematics, and literature. But there were others—books with strange symbols on their spines and titles that seemed to shift when he tried to read them.
Occult knowledge, he realized. This place might be more useful than I thought.
He made a mental note of the more unusual volumes, planning to return when he had the time to study them.
When the job was done, Alric handed him a small pouch of coins. "You did good work, lad. If you're interested, I could use help a few days a week."
"I'll think about it," Liam replied. "Thanks for the opportunity."
As he left the bookstore, the coins jingling in his pocket, Liam felt a sense of accomplishment. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
---
Settling In
Using his earnings, Liam rented a modest room at a boarding house near the edge of the city. The room was small but clean, with a single bed, a desk, and a small window overlooking the street. It wasn't much, but it gave him a base of operations.
That evening, as he sat at the desk, Liam opened the pocket watch and focused on the Codex. The whispers returned, guiding him through the first steps of mastering his abilities.
I'll need more than just power to survive here, he thought. Knowledge, allies, and a clear goal. But for now, this will do.
The shadows in the room seemed to stir in agreement, and Liam allowed himself a small smile. His journey in Tingen had only just begun.